Cam chain tensioner adjustment

[DennyG+]

I have a '93 with 45000 miles on it, and after reading about lifter noise and cam chain noise I think I have both. I am familiar with the lifter, or tappet, noise and it isn't too bad. What I am hearing now mainly is cam chain noise, I believe. After looking in the service manual and at the photos posted by Triton28, I understand more about it. The posts relating to it either say take it out and reset it, or basically ignore the noise. But, I haven't seen where anyone adjusts it by inserting a small screwdriver in and adjusting it while it's on the bike. Does anyone know if this can be done? Thanks.

[triton28]

No Denny the slot is ONLY for reinstalling the adjuster into the cylinder block. It has no bearing on adjustment as adjustment is automatic.
Dave

[DennyG+]

OK. Thanks for the info. I wonder why there are so many complaints of cam chain noise is it supposed to automatically adjust. Does it get hung-up?

[DennyG+]

I meant IF it is supposed to automatically adjust

[triton28]

If you think you have abnormally loud tappet/chain noise then I would suggest reading a post entitled "Engine Noise" from June 06, 2016 posted by barefoot, in this section "Tech Tips-Voyager XII". In this post is a formula posted by Neal which uses ATF as a cleaning agent. It may clean the valve lash adjusters, and the rest of the engine internals for you.
With respect to the tensioner, the only 2 ways it can malfunction are: 1) the spring is getting weak or 2) someone has had the tensioner out and did not pretension it before re-installing it. These really are bullet proof and rarely malfunction but I'm sure it may have happened to someone's engine.

[cushman eagle]

DennyG , If the oil level is too high,it can get air bubbles churned into it by the spinning shafts ,which can prevent the adjusters from working properly.
The recommended volume,after draining both drain plugs and the filter is 3 qts 22 oz.
There have been many complaints of lifter noise with too much oil
Let us know what you find out.

[DennyG+]

Thank you all for your kind and sage advice. I recently changed the oil and put the correct amount in. Before changing it, I drained out a quart and put in about 6 oz of sea foam and the rest ATF and ran it for about 35 miles. The lifter sound got quieter, but it seems the other (cam chain) got louder. I use rotella 15/40. I'll just run it a while longer and see how it goes. Thanks again.

[cranky]

.. as I'm apt to say... I do NOTHING quite well!!!! GBG Best
to ya!!!

I'll just run it a while longer and see how it goes